Support to Lifeline: Embattled CSO Assistance Fund

This project facilitates Canadian funding to support at-risk civil society organizations (CSOs) across the world. Launched by the US in 2011 the Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund provides emergency financial assistance to CSOs under threat or attack due to their work and supports advocacy that aims to respond to broader threats to CSOs. Project activities include: (1) identifying Civil Society Organizations that meet pre-established criteria to benefit from the Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund; (2) providing support to combat assault on civil society and attempts to restrict space for independent political activity; (3) leading an international consortium that coordinates emergency support and advocacy activities; and (4) expanding financial technical and moral support to at-risk Indigenous non-governmental organizations and women human rights defenders.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) CSOs report that assistance improved their safety considerably or removed threat entirely and there is an increase in the ability of assisted CSOs to continue to function with few to no limitations despite threats; (2) CSOs have an improved ability to avoid lessen and/or overcome emergencies on their own or with local resources after assistance; (3) CSOs continue to use new skills to avoid or lessen emergencies; and (4) CSOs assisted report wider adoption of improved advocacy strategies among local CSOs.